The student-led, student-funded Oregon Student Association (OSA) was founded in 1975 to represent the collective needs of students at public universities and community colleges.

We believe that every Oregonian deserves access to a quality, affordable college education, and that students should be involved in decisions that affect them.

Job Description

OSA is seeking a highly driven and knowledgeable Legislative Director to lead all aspects of OSA’s statewide advocacy.  The Legislative Director has a finger on the pulse of the statewide dialogue on issues of post-secondary education and keeps the organization at the forefront of the debate. 

The Legislative Director spearheads policy research on student priority issues while coordinating advocacy in the capitol.  Alongside the Executive Director, this person serves as the primary organizational advocate and lobbyist.  OSA board members and staff depend on the Legislative Director for written reports, testimony development, and legislative updates to help guide the organization’s priority agenda.  This person also assists the Organizing Director in the implementation of OSA field and membership strategies through material development and on-campus member engagement.

The Legislative Director will join a talented, committed, and innovative professional staff working to empower young leaders and improve access to a college education for ALL Oregonians. The OSA Legislative Director reports to the Executive Director and also works to support outreach campaigns managed by the Organizing Director.  This person spends about 20% of their time in the OSA office, 45% of their time in the State Capitol (during legislative sessions), and 35% of their time organizing constituents on university and college campuses across Oregon. 

Qualifications

● Capable and confident public speaker and spokesperson, with excellent written communication skills. 

●  Ability to see the big picture and the minute details.

●  Background in postsecondary education policy and issues, with a well-versed understanding of Oregon politics

●  Experience in advocacy and lobbying. 

●  Understanding of and dedication to grassroots and electoral organizing.

●  Self-motivated, out-going, and detail-oriented.

●  Willing to work evenings and weekends and to travel.

● Strong and steadfast work ethic.

Responsibilities

●  Serve as main contact for Oregon Legislature and staff: Monitor legislative committees during session and in the interim.  Develop testimony, reports, and educational legislative materials.

●   Implement OSA legislative strategies in collaboration with and at the direction of the Executive Director.

●   Implement membership organizing strategies in collaboration with and at the Direction of the Organizing Director.

●  Monitor meetings of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, Oregon State Legislature, community college boards of education and other state boards as necessary.

●   Work with the OSA Executive Director to craft messages and develop talking points.

●  Conduct research to assist board in priority issue setting and advocacy, including member engagement campaigns on campuses across Oregon.

●  Provide trainings and work closely with OSA students on all meetings with legislators and candidates.  Coordinate all summer candidate visits, and legislative visits.

●  Advise and train OSA interns on legislative and research projects.

● Deliver presentations on campus regarding current issues of concern to students.

● Offer advice and support to student governments and student organizations.

Salary and Benefits

●  $32,000-$34,734 depending on experience. 

●  Dental, medical, and vision insurance